About This Class

I've been a lifelong doodler - whenever I get the chance I'm doodling on my meeting notes, spare envelopes or any other suitable surface just for the joy of creating something fun.

If you're one of the many people that's been put off the idea of drawing because you don't think you can - think again! Anybody can doodle and the beauty of doodling is that there is no right and wrong way to do it. As long as you enjoy making marks on paper, you're doing fine. :)

Doodling is the gateway to creation.

In this class I will show you how I go about creating something completely randomly with just a ballpoint pen and some paper. Because this is a class, I'll show you, step by step, how to draw a doodle of an elephant from the initial mark on the paper to the final stroke of the background.

Here's what you'll learn:

Making marks - Using nothing but a ballpoint pen and some paper, I'll show you some of the wonderful marks you can make that are the creative force behind a finished doodle.

Start with simple shapes - I'll show you how I'll look at a photograph of an elephant and turn that into simple shapes to form the doodle. Thinking in simple shapes will be your inspiration for creation! Most of my doodles aren't planned like this but I need you to see how an idea in your mind can be turned into the basis for a doodle. If you can think it, you can doodle it!

Sketch it out - I'll show you how I take the simple shapes form the last lesson and turn it into the outline of my elephant doodle.

Shade it in - I'll show you how to use simple shading to turn the outline into a solid elephant without it looking like a mess of scribbles.

Adding a background - I'll show you to give the elephant a home by adding background features.

If you've always wanted to draw but you've feared the result, join me on this short doodling adventure that will hopefully inspire your confidence to start a lifelong habit of fun!

All you'll need is a pen, some paper and the desire to get creative for the rest of your life!

Think of an animal to doodle - try to avoid common household creatures - think of something more interesting or bizarre that will be fun to doodle. An anteater for example.
Draw some simple shapes to create the form of the animal in your mind
Turn those shapes into a solid outline that will form your animal
Use simple shading to give the animal a sense of depth - don't overdo it!
Add some simple background features to give your doodle some context
Don't forget to upload a photograph of your finished doodle to the class project area!